In 2026 UPI (Unified Payments Interface) & online payment platforms providing high security, but at the same time peoples also face scams, money loss, etc. This is 2026, and online payment platforms are securing their consumers’ data with high security options like SSL certificate integration and TLS data encryption, PCI compliance, tokenization, and digital wallet and bank transfer acceptance. After using all of these security options, customers still face threats. Drawing from real-world business experience, this article shares key insights on UPI and online payment safety in 2026.
What’s UPI?
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an Indian instant payment system and protocol developed by the National Payments Corporation of India(NPCI) in 2016.
In simple words It helps users to send money through online platforms, which is easier and saves time.
Common UPI Platforms
- Phonepe
- Google Pay
- Paytm
How users can secure their UPI
- Don’t share your UPI ID with untrustworthy applications.
- Never give your UPI passwords or PINs to strangers.
- Don’t use unauthorized online payment applications.
- Before sending your money to others, check that their UPI ID and account are correct.
What users should do if they face Scams
- Change your UPI PIN immediately.
- Contact your bank.
- Freeze or block your UPI temporarily.
What are the different types security protocols used in UPI
- SSL certificate integration and TLS data encryption
- PCI compliance
- Tokenization
- Digital wallet and bank transfer acceptance
These are the main security protocols that are used in online UPI platforms for secure customer data.
Why your UPI account is Banned/Blocked
- Entering wrong UPI pin several times
- Doing unethical activities
- Using expired debit cards
- Not using your UPI account for long period of time
How users can find your UPI account is banned
Users will get SMS or emails from their registered bank account when their attempt to send money fails. If any of this happens, users can understand their UPI account is banned.
How to Unblock UPI account
- Contact your bank / Customer care support of UPI
- Reset UPI pin of your account
- Submit your KYC reports to your bank account
First check your message notification to know the reason for blocking your UPI
What is *99?
This code *99 is used to check your bank account balance, get a mini statement of recent transactions, and set or change your UPI PIN and also allows you to transact money without using data. It helps you when you’re in slow network areas & you have no mobile data.
How *99 works
- Dial *99# in your bank account’s linked number
- You get an option to select languages.
- Then type your provided language number and send.
- Then you will get another interface to add your bank’s name or the first 4 letters of your bank IFSC.
Choose a service like sending money, requesting money & checking balance.
After that, enter your UPI ID or UPI ID number and the amount.
Enter your UPI PIN.
After doing all of this, you will get a confirmation screen on your mobile.
This method will help you send money without a network.
Who is UPI fraud?
UPI fraud is a scam that steals money from users and takes their personal data without their permission. They steal customer UPI PINs and passwords also, they use this to create fake QR codes and fake payment screenshots.
Types of UPI fraud
1.Vishing
Where frauds use Scammy phone calls to mislead users into revealing their sensitive personal information.
2.Fake UPI Payments & Transfers
Here scammers create fake UPI payments to mislead users, and it looks like an original UPI payment transaction.
3.Impersonation
Scammers act as bank employees to collect customers’ UPI PINs or ask customers for OTP.
4.Phishing
They send fake emails or links to customers’ mobiles; once they click the link, all access can get to the hackers.
5.Fraudulent Sellers
Creating fake websites to cheat customers and creating nonexistent products and giving promises to customers that they will deliver the item, and they take payments from customers without delivering the product.
6.Screen Monitoring Apps
Illegal apps that secretly monitor users’ screens without user permission and they will Collect users’ UPI PINs, passwords, and bank details by using these types of apps.
7.Malware Attacks
Malware attacks, like viruses, ransomware, and spyware, aim to steal users’ sensitive information, like Aadhar card numbers and PAN, and take sensitive information from them.
It’s 2026, but still this type of fraud is still able to hack or steal your bank details, sensitive data, etc., so beware of these threats and understand these types of illegal activities; it will help you when any of this happens to you. First, you must care about your UPI transactions and secure your UPI ID and passwords, and don’t share your PINs with strangers.
Be aware when you send money to someone; check that the person’s profile you are sending to is correct or not. If you send money to a stranger by mistake, you will get a refund when you report it. The refund may take time depending on the transaction type. Using UPI and online payments is very common in this scenario, so it is easy for hackers to steal.
How can report online money fraud or UPI fraud
Firstly, block your account to avoid unauthorized transactions. Contact your customer care when it happened through online payment apps, or call the national cybercrime number (1930). (Report your complaint within 24 hours).
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Is sharing a UPI ID safe?
Yes, it is safe to share your UPI ID, but don’t share your UPI ID with strangers or untrustworthy people.
2. Is sharing your bank account number safe or not?
Yes, sharing your bank account number is safe, but don’t share your UPI passwords or PINs with others.
3. Sending Money Online Without Internet?
You can send money by using the *99# method.
4. Is setting up autopay in UPI safe?
Yes, it is safe to set autopay for trusted apps.
5. Which are the RBI-trusted online UPI apps
Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, Amazon Pay, and government backed BHIM
6. What is SIM cloning?
SIM cloning is creating a duplicate SIM from the original one.
7.How Do Hackers Execute UPI Scams?
They start with a random call and tell you that they are a bank official or representative, and they will ask for your bank details or crucial information like PINs or OTPs. (There are so many ways to steal your details).
Conclusion
You must know about what is happening in the real world and what types of UPI threats are going on. Don’t panic if any of the threats happen to you; stay strong and complain to your service provider. They will immediately take action within 24 hours.
You can use 2-factor authentication, unique PINs, and different passwords, and don’t click on any unauthorized links to avoid malicious activities. You will get 24/7 support from your service provider. Don’t use any illegal apps on your phone. You can contact UPI customer care by calling the 1800-120-1740 number.
The Indian cybercrime helpline number 1930 is also available 24/7.
Stay safe in online payment platforms
